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Truly Outrageous: Joan Collins on The Power Suit

The only thing better than getting to pose a few fashion questions to Joan Collins--who for years played Dynasty's Alexis Carrington, the first Cruella Deville of daytime TV--is receiving her handwritten responses. Via fax. From St. Tropez. From a place called Villa Destino. I kid you not. Behold, the well-articulated words of Joan:

See? I wasn't kidding. I would never joke about a fax from Joan Collins. You better believe that these babies are tacked up by my desk.

A look from Balenciaga's fall 2009 show and a shot of Miss Collins, circa '86.

Slaves to Fashion: How would you describe your personal style?Joan Collins: Eclectic—I’m a woman for all seasons. I mix ‘n’ match, do designer and high street—keep all my good pieces. I design all my evening and cocktail dresses most of the time as I dislike what is out there now.

STF: Who are your favorite designers these days?JC: Hmm—difficult. There are some brilliant designers but their clothes only really suit 6 foot 20-year-olds. I think Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, and Ellen Tracey make good, wearable, and stylish clothes.

STF: What are your favorite clothing & jewelry stores?JC: I love department stores and Bloomingdales in N.Y., Selfridges in London, and Galeries Lafayette in France, and Neiman Marcus in L.A.—I love the Fessel Jewelry and Kenneth J. Lane.

STF: Are you a big jewelry collector, or do you prefer other accessories more?JC: I don’t collect real jewels as I travel so much but I have a vast selection of costume jewelry since I was a teenager. And plenty from Dynasty.

STF: What is one thing that you would never, ever wear & why?JC: There are many. Crop tops, raggedy denim shorts and jeans, but most of all harem pants are ghastly and unflattering.

STF: What are your thoughts and memories of the wardrobe you wore on Dynasty?JC: Nolan Miller and I worked closely together to create Alexis’ ‘look.’ We studied fashion mags and pictures of Princess Diana. I have fond memories of all those times when they would have to create a glamorous outfit overnight! But they did.

STF: What was your favorite outfit that you wore on the show? Least favorite?JC: Many favorites but the least favorite was the hideous black and white peasant style dress I wore in the infamous Lily Pond scene when I’m in the water. They had to make several and I cringe when I see that dress!

STF: Was there anything that the costumer brought to you that you refused to wear on air? What was it & why didn’t you think it was “right”?JC: I was not thrilled with the little tweed suits and blouses with Peter Pan collars which were presented on Dynasty. It was not in the Alexis character to wear those as she was quite flamboyant.

STF: What are your thoughts on the fact that so many of the glamorous ‘80s trends—from power suits to drape-y silk dresses, metallic gowns and tiers of ruffles—are now again in style?JC: have never said no to a power suit. I think they are flattering, beautiful, and businesslike. Yes the shoulders became too overdone in the 80s but the 2010 take on them by Balmain, Balenciaga and others is extremely wearable. Draped jersey dresses are elegant but metallic dresses with ruffles

STF: Would you ever wear shoulder pads again? Why or why not?JC: I never stopped!! Shoulder pads are an essential part of any suit. They can be small, medium, or large but they make the silhouette. Men’s suits always have S.P.s—If not they look awful.

STF: How does it feel to have so many of this season's designers look to you and your ‘80s wardrobe for style inspiration?JC: Didn’t realize they did. Which designers? Do tell me.

A look from Balenciaga's fall 2009 show and a vintage Collins snap. See the similarities?

Were you a Dynasty fan? If not, how 'bout now--those drapey dresses are hard to beat! Think you'd wear it one if it was hanging in your closet? And um, how amazing is Joan Collins?!!